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Montreal Canadiens Officially Clinch NHL Playoff Spot

By Suraj Sukumar

Mar 14, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber (6) reacts with teammates including Alexander Radulov (47) after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber (6) reacts with teammates including Alexander Radulov (47) after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Montreal Canadiens are headed back to the NHL Playoffs, after beating the Florida Panthers 6-2

The Montreal Canadiens clinched their first playoff spot since 2014-15 when they won the Atlantic Division. Last season, primarily due to Carey Price‘s injury, the Canadiens failed to make the playoffs with a relatively good team.

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After that, the Canadiens made some franchise-altering decisions, which received major negative feedback from the viewing public. At the same time, regardless of the trades or signings they make, a healthy Price can really make or break your season.

This year, Price is 36-28-5 with 2.23 goals against average, and a 0.924 save percentage with three shutouts. He is a bonafide franchise player and continues to prove it when healthy. Last year was a bad year for him, and the Canadiens suffered as a result.

Out with Subban, In with Weber

The biggest move for the Canadiens was shipping out the fan favorite P.K. Subban. After striking a deal with the Nashville Predators, the Canadiens brought in Shea Weber to help lead their team. Arguably the best defenseman in the NHL, Weber was welcomed with mixed emotions as Subban level for the United States.

Fast forward to today, and Weber looks like the right choice for this team. Subban is younger and provides strong offensive output. At the same time, the presence of Weber on the blue line makes things a lot tougher for opposing teams.

He may not have the same pop offensively, but Weber still has 17 goals and 25 assists in 77 games. He also 22 points on the powerplay, and a plus-20 rating with four game-winning goals. Needless to say, Weber is absolutely elite, and the Canadiens reaped immediate benefits from trading from the versatile defenseman.

Radulov is the Big Game Changer

Even without the defensive swap, the Canadiens would have still had a chance at the playoffs. However, with bringing in Alexander Radulov, the Canadiens may have struck gold.

The 30-year old Russian is sitting at 51 points in 72 games, with 16 goals and 25 assists. He started out the season on a huge tear but has calmed down significantly since December. Even with a slower place, Radulov proved he can play at the NHL level, and is generating offensive opportunities for a team that has struggled in that department.

Next: Nikita Kucherov is Heating Up

The Canadiens have struggled in the playoffs, primarily due to their offense fizzling out. With additions like Radulov and Weber, one can hope those woes are behind them. They have proven success in the regular season, and their improved road record has helped them to another potential division title.

In the playoffs, the Canadiens need to keep their strong defensive presence felt, but get their offense going early in the postseason. If they can score some goals early, and let their defense and goaltending carry the weight, it will be interesting to see how far the Canadiens can go in 2017.

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